Every author
needs to make the effort to get the buzz going about a book… and while it is
never too late it’s great when the buzz is loud and clear as soon as your new
book goes on pre-sale.
What is this
“BUZZ” we are speaking of? Buzz means noise, publicity, attention, making sure
your book is not hiding on a shelf somewhere. Even if your publisher offers
promotional services, the main responsibility is the author’s. Yes, your
readers need to be attracted to your story but unless you are planning to be a
one-hit wonder at best, YOU, the author, needs a following as well.
So how can
you promote your book and yourself and make every effort worth the time you put
into it?
First, some
of the things you can do with your book: Get your book promoted on the blogs
that address your audience (your audience is WHO you are writing for); if you
are a sci-fi writer Google the net for Science-Fiction blogs and then visit
each one to see if they would be a fit for a guest post AND if the blog owner
does host guests. Contact the blog owner and ASK (never simply submit without
asking unless the blog owner provides directions to do just that). Find a topic
that relates to your book (perhaps the research you put into space travel and
the major advancements through the years?) and find out if this topic would be
of interest to blog owner. Follow her guidelines and be prompt. When your blog
is posted make sure you visit to respond to comments. And always thank the blog
host.
By the same
token if you happen to be visiting a store, other business, or historic site
that bears commonality with the subject of your book ask (preferably a manager)
if you can do a reading or book discussion, or even if they would feature your
book for sales (probably on consignment unless you already have a proven track
record. It stands to reason that the people who come to this “business” already
have an interest in the topic you wrote about.
An even
simpler way to reach your audience, the people that hopefully will buy and
speak about your book, is to go back to the blogs and make friendly posts, readers
will become more familiar with your name. Check out the “influencers” in your
chosen genre or subject — an influencer is someone who has a large following and
follow them (NOT like a stalker) on Twitter, Facebook or the blog they host.
Retweet their tweets, comment on their posts, and like their blogs (occasional
comments are appreciated on blogs too!). MOST authors do the friendly thing and
will follow you back retweeting and commenting on your posts and their comments
may be seen by ALL of their followers.
Don’t sit
back and wait to be discovered; even if there is ever so slight a chance of
that happening, it is more Hollywood story than reality. If your publisher does
have publicity people working on your book then by all means coordinate with
them, but remember as author you have the biggest stake in your success, don’t
leave it to others.
Writing
Exercise: Write a brief introduction for you as an author for
someone else to read before you take the stage.
Writing
Prompt: Make a list of places you frequent that attract your
audience. What kind of presentation could you make, if permitted, at each venue.
Challenge
Assignment: Write a variety of blog posts which you could offer to blog
hosts. Make sure each one is ready to go.
